Saint Paul – Governor Tim Pawlenty today announced the appointment of Michael Trutwin to the Minnesota Forest Resources Council.

Trutwin, of Rice, is a paper maker with Verso Paper in Sartell, a position he has held since 1982. He has been a member of the United Steel Workers Union Local 274 since 1982, is a delegate member of the Pulp and Paper Workers Resource Council, an elected member of the Wood Fiber Joint Legislative Council, and has 10 years of union service in elected positions. Trutwin holds an associate of applied science degree in supervisory management from St. Cloud Technical College, is certified as both a first responder and a HAZMAT responder, and is completing his certification as a firefighter. Trutwin replaces Robert Oswold on the Forest Resources Council as a labor representative to complete a four-year term that expires on January 3, 2011.

The Minnesota Forest Resources Council develops recommendations to the Governor and to federal, state, county and local governments with respect to forest resource policies and practices that result in the sustainable management, use, and protection of the state's forest resources. The council consists of 17 members appointed by the Governor.